Morgan Gray - NSW Tattoo Artist
SPECIALITY: Realism
INSTAGRAM: @morganrosetattoo
Can you give our readers a little tattoo history about yourself and your background?
As a kid, I’ve always been drawn to art, the ability to create something out of nothing was such an incredible feeling to hold. This also being an amazing outlet helped me through the tricky times with school/high school. I was never the most popular kid and struggled a lot with bullying and not quite ‘fitting in’. I started my apprenticeship smack bang in the middle of when tattooing wasn’t particularly accepted and the industry wasn’t the best place for a 19-year-old to be. I endured a whole lot of questionable things but pushed myself through knowing this is what I was meant for.
As a kid, what type of stuff did you draw and what art were you inspired by?
As a kid I always drew. I started off drawing animals, this was my forte. Then I started focusing on texture, contrast and composition. I then delved into drawing people and absolutely loved it. Anything real, I wanted to draw it. Then do it better, then do it again. Once I got into the tattooing side of things I drew massive inspiration from Nikko Hurtado. He was and still is one of the world’s best at realism tattooing. I really studied his compositions and use of texture and palate.
What was the first tattoo that you Inked and how much do you feel you have improved over the years?
The first tattoo I ever did was a tiny chicken holding a sign saying ‘off chops’ haha! It was super shaky, and I would be very happy if this tattoo was never seen or spoken about again haha. My amazing mum offered her skin as my second client and I tattooed half her back with realistic magnolia flowers. Mum went on to offer so much of her body for me to practice on. I can see how far I’ve come when I look back on where I began. I can also see work from a week ago and strive to improve on this too. As an artist I believe once you look at a piece and see no room for improvement you should stop. I’ll always strive to better my work, looking for ways I can improve what I do.
Was there a particular style that you picked up straight away or did you experiment alot to find your niche? Also how do you describe your style and where does it fit into the industry?
As soon as I picked up a pencil, I wanted to replicate. I wanted to make a piece that looked as close to what my eye could see as possible.Realism has always been my calling. I fell in love with reflections, texture, focus and composition. I fell in love with being able to make eye’s sparkle, the way you can show which way the wind is blowing with hair and fur and to be able to show the personality of an animal or human through the piece I make. This is my style. Fortunately I think realism tattooing is something that will continue to grow alongside the evolution of the tattoo industry. I will forever be honored and so humbled to be able to create a late family member, pet or a beloved icon for my clients.The feeling of being trusted so much with this is a very big reason why I will continue to keep going and keep learning as much as I can.